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6 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

In a few days from now, you’ll be getting ready to ring in the New Year with a celebration. Or perhaps New Year’s Eve for you involves relaxing on your couch with some scrumptious snacks and a special someone, while you enjoy the festivities on your television from the comfort of your home.

Either way, no matter how you choose to spend your New Year’s Eve, it will be here before you know it, and with a new year comes New Year’s resolutions. While New Year’s resolutions can be fun, did you know that the most people fail to stick to their New year’s resolutions? This is because most resolutions are unrealistic; for example, someone who never exercises saying they are going to work out every day for the next year. When you set the bar so high, it’s easy to fail, and New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be about trying to impress anyone, but rather about achieving something on your own that will make you feel proud.

Here at Obagi, we are all about taking care of yourself, nurturing yourself, so that you are better able to deal with life’s challenges. Most of us are so busy running around and taking care of others that we often forget about ourselves.

Keep reading to find out a few loving (and realistic) ways you can pamper yourself starting in the new year so you can feel better within yourself, and set the perfect tone for the year ahead. Why not make this your best year yet?!

Treat Yourself To Some Daily TLC

Chances are you set a day aside every now and then to take some time out when life gets hectic. But why wait until you feel completely worn out to recharge your batteries? Instead, take some time out every day to pamper yourself so that you are able to navigate through everyday life in a more relaxed and mindful manner.

We move through our days, often without paying attention to small things, such as our breathing. Most of us breathe shallowly from our chests, but if you become more aware of your breathing and simply start every day with a few deep belly cleansing breaths, you won’t believe the difference you may feel! You don’t need a lot of time for this, so this is something you can easily squeeze into your day, no matter where you are.

Other great calming practices include yoga and meditation. Perhaps start with some beginner yoga videos on YouTube, or popular meditation apps that may include numerous meditations ranging from just one minute to over an hour. Also, be sure to do something that you love every single day. Even 5 minutes of reading, singing, dancing, you name it, will help to open up your creative flow, so that you can live your life on your terms.

Stick To A Regular Skin Care Regime

If this year has been the year of infrequent skin care, then remedy that going into next year! The trick with sticking to something new is giving it 21 days to become a habit. After 21 days, it will simply become a part of your life, just like brushing your teeth.

Obagi offers skin care products and systems for all ages and skin types. A great way to get started is with our Obagi360® System, which includes everything you need for maintaining beautiful, healthy-looking skin. Even if your skin already looks great, now is the time to set the foundation for the future, to help your skin age gracefully.

Get Moving

So of course a staple resolution every New Year is exercising more. However, many people start exercising with the sole purpose of losing weight, rather than doing it for health and happiness. When you approach something from a health standpoint, knowing you are going to feel healthier, more energetic, and happier, it becomes easier to stick to, as when you stop doing it, you feel the effects.

So if exercising really isn’t your thing, then try new ways to get active and fit. Go for a beautiful walk in nature, run around with your dog outside, or take up a fun sport. Exercising doesn’t have to be boring! Aim to get your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes, 4 times a week, and just notice the positive changes that will occur.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

In this era of technology, this one can be a little tricky. We aren’t judging, but we know, like the rest of us, you probably find yourself scrolling through your phone late at night when you should be getting your beauty rest.

Contrary to popular belief, many of us are fine with just 6 or 7 hours of sleep, but these precious hours of shut eye need to be good quality sleep. This means preparing your body for a good night of rest in the right way. A warm bath, some lavender spray in your bedroom, a good book, and dim lighting are all wonderful ways to ease your mind into dreamland.

Say Yes More

Many of us are creatures of habit. This is normal human behavior, so you are likely to find yourself saying no to new experiences that seem a bit out there, or different from what you are used to.

Why not make next year your year of saying yes more? Don’t worry, we aren’t going to encourage you to try anything that makes you uncomfortable, but why not try that new dish at that trendy restaurant, or take a spontaneous road trip? Been wanting a new hairstyle? Well, go for it! You only live once, and you’ll be surprised at the doors that can open for you when you venture slightly out of your comfort zone.

Eat Clean

Drastic diets never work, and aren’t the best for you either, but making small and positive changes is an excellent way to enjoy a healthier new year! Try a vegetarian dish at least once a week, drink more water, cut back on sugar or try healthier alternatives such as stevia, and ditch the processed and refined white foods. Being healthier starts slowly with small steps, and before you know it, you will be a pro at re-creating healthier versions of your favorite meals! Eating less processed foods may leave you feeling happier, more energetic, and your skin may thank you too!*

We hope these tips help you to enjoy a beautiful, bright and healthy New Year. Do you have any resolutions not on this list? Please share in the comments below!

*Results of your diet may vary and this is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any medical, nutritional, or health-related questions or concerns.

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Obagi Systems and Products are physician-dispensed and should be used only under the guidance of your skin care physician. Please be advised that certain products have limited distribution and may not be available in your area. Please contact your Obagi skin care physician for more information.

Important Safety Information for Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender®

(contains 4% hydroquinone)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.